Guide hachette des vins 2022: eight great gérard bertrand wines awarded

Of the 35,000 French wines tasted blind in 2021 by wine professionals, the juries of the Guide Hachette des Vins 2022 selected 8,000. The selection has just been released and eight exceptional Gérard Bertrand wines have received an award this year. A look back at the award-winning wines with tasting notes in detail.

L'Aigle Royal Pinot Noir, IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude, 2018, 2 stars: A clear ruby colour, fitting for a pinot noir, and an expressive, intense nose, a pleasing compromise between the brilliance of (red) fruit and the vanilla imprint of the barrel. A fruity intensity that does not wane on a rather finely chiselled palate, with a commendable lightness, supported by silky tannins. A flavoursome and refined pinot noir. 

Tautavel Hommage aux vignerons, Red, AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, 2 stars: The nose is marked by a note of cherry eau-de-vie, then opens onto black fruits. Balance and impressive substance, nuanced with leather and liquorice, are present in this wine still coming into its own. 

Domaine Georges Bertrand Cuvée d'Exception, Red, AOP Corbières Boutenac, 2019, 2 stars: A blend of 4 grape varieties aged 6 months in barrels. Ripe fruit, garrigue, roasting, a fresher touch: the nose does not lack seduction. Generously oaked, the palate, round on the attack and firmer on the finish, is equally seductive. Modern and flattering. 

L'Indomptable de Cigalus Red, IGP Aude Hauterive, 2019, 1 star: No fewer than 8 grape varieties blended in this warm red, very much in keeping with the vintage. Notable for its deep ruby colour, its richly fruited and spiced nose, and its opulent palate, which charms with its heady roundness, well-coated tannins and warm wafts of blackberry jam and spices.

L'indomptable de Cigalus White, IGP Pays d'Oc, 2020, 1 star: A favourite in the 2018 vintage, this cuvée returns in great form. Initially reserved, the nose releases brioche and toasted notes from vinification and ageing under oak. Oak ageing that accompanies a round and full palate, with frank pastry notes, quickly refreshed by a well-pitched acidity. A modern, structured, food-friendly white with good cellaring potential.

Réserve Gérard Bertrand Fitou, Red, AOP Fitou, 2019, 1 star: Carbonic maceration for the carignan and traditional maceration for the grenache, this classic fitou presents a garnet robe with purple highlights. The nose is fine and elegant, with red fruits, soft spices and oak. The palate offers aromas of cherry and toast, supported by silky tannins and a delicate freshness. 

Tautavelissime, AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, Red, 1 star: Violet garnet in colour, this wine with its woody notes appears ample and well-structured. Empyreumatic notes are present. A wine to keep in the cellar. 

Château La Soujeole Grand Vin Red, AOP Malepère, 2019, Red, 1 star: This premium blend of cabernet franc, merlot and malbec spent 12 months in barrel. The nose reflects this with vanilla notes over a backdrop of crushed black fruits and a discreet animal touch. Ample and intense on the attack, the palate is firmly structured, powerful, marked by oak and vigorous tannins. A fine edifice that invites patience.